Tips for Playing in the Company Golf Outing
Don’t let nerves keep you off the golf course
Got invited to the company golf scramble? First reaction might be panic, especially if you're still working on your game. I get it! Playing with colleagues (and maybe your boss) can feel intimidating. But here's the thing - company golf events are incredible opportunities to build relationships and show a different side of yourself outside the conference room.
The good news? Golf scrambles are the perfect format for newer players. You're playing as a team, so the pressure is off to be perfect. Your teammates will help carry you, and you might surprise yourself with a few great shots that really help the team.
The Data Shows - Getting on the Course is a Smart Business Move
A Central Michigan University Study from 2023 found that 80% of Fortune 500 executives say golf has helped their careers. More than 70% of Fortune 1000 CEOs have done business with someone they met on the golf course.
A Syracuse University 2021 survey of business women who golf found that:
60% play golf with their clients
73% agree that golf has helped them develop relationships and network for business
50% in executive-level positions agree that being able to talk about golf enables them to be more successful
With 90% of Fortune 500 CEOs playing golf and 80% of executives crediting the sport with advancing their careers, missing your company's golf outing isn't just missing a game—it's potentially missing career-advancing & relationship building conversations you’ll have when you spend more time with leaders in & around the golf course. Getting out there with leadership and work colleagues gives you direct access to those people over a prolonged period of time, the opportunity to build relationships working in a team environment on something likely completely unrelated to your work, and gives you a shared experience to bond over and talk about around the office for weeks to come.
What exactly is a scramble format?
In a scramble, everyone on your team (usually 4 people) hits their ball from the tee. Then the team picks the best shot and everyone hits their next shot from that spot. You continue this way until the ball is in the hole. It's forgiving because even if you have a bad shot, your teammates might have great ones.
This format means you can contribute even as a beginner. Maybe your drive doesn't go far, but it lands perfectly in the fairway while others are in the rough. Maybe you sink a crucial putt. Every shot matters, and teams often win on the strength of different players contributing at different moments.
A team of 3 men and 1 woman may actually have a huge advantage in a scramble format. This is because the 3 guys can tee off at the longer yardage, and swing away on their drives to get the distance the team needs. Typically when the average male golfer swings hard off his drive, there’s also more chance of the golf ball landing in the woods or (gasp!) entirely on another hole! Enter the woman on the team that can hit from the forward tees. Even if your drive isn’t very long, all the team needs is for you to hit it straight & to land in the fairway!
Before the event: preparation tips
Know the format details. Ask your organizer about cart assignments, dress code, and whether there will be any skills challenges (like closest to the pin contests). Some companies do a "best ball" format instead of scramble, so confirm which you're playing. More on that in a previous blog post.
Practice your short game. Even if your drive only goes 120 yards, you can absolutely help your team around the greens. Spend time at the practice green working on putts from 3-10 feet. Putting performance is often what determines scramble winners.
Get comfortable with your most reliable club. For me, that's my 8-iron at 110 yards. I know if I need to contribute a solid shot, that's my go-to club. Identify yours and practice with it.
Plan your outfit. Follow the dress code but choose something you feel confident in. If the course requires collared shirts and you don't own golf attire, invest in one nice outfit. You'll wear it again, and feeling appropriately dressed helps your confidence. I always bring layers - you’ll be hot on the golf course and freezing cold in the air conditioning having lunch & awaiting the presentation of results.
During the Round: Relationship Building Strategies
Be the teammate everyone wants to play with again. This means being positive, encouraging others' shots, and keeping pace of play moving. Compliment good shots genuinely. When someone hits a bad shot, focus on their next opportunity. Snap some photos of the group together, and be sure to share those moments later.
Ask thoughtful questions. Golf gives you 4+ hours of conversation time. Ask about people's roles, projects they're excited about, or their thoughts on industry trends. Ask what other hobbies they enjoy. Listen more than you talk. People remember feeling heard.
Share the golf cart strategically. If possible, ride with someone you don't normally interact with at work. This might be someone from a different department or a level above you. Use this time for genuine connection.
Volunteer for tasks. Offer to drive the cart, keep score, or help look for balls. Small gestures show you're a team player both on and off the course.
Handle your struggles gracefully. Everyone has bad shots. If you're having a tough hole, acknowledge it with humor rather than getting frustrated. "Well, at least I'm consistent!" goes over better than throwing clubs or apologizing repeatedly.
Alcohol? Not recommended. If you want to enjoy an adult beverage, maybe leave that for after the round is over. Especially if you don’t normally drink while you play golf, save the spirits for happy hour.
The Business Side of the Golf Course
Remember, this is still a work event. While the setting is casual, maintain professionalism. Avoid controversial topics and be mindful of alcohol if it's served.
Follow up after the event. Send a thank-you pings or emails to your teammates mentioning specific moments from the round. Send the pictures that you took. "Thanks for being such great teammates! I loved hearing about your project with the Denver office." This reinforces the connections you made.
Use golf as ongoing relationship currency. If you had great conversations with colleagues, suggest playing together again. "Would you like to join me for a round at the public course sometime?" Many business relationships are strengthened through regular golf.
Don't underestimate the networking power. These events often include executives and decision-makers you might not otherwise have access to. A memorable round together can lead to opportunities months later.
What if you're really nervous about your skill level?
Be honest about being newer to golf, but frame it positively. "I'm still learning, but I love being out here" sounds much better than "I'm terrible at this." People respect someone who's willing to try new things.
Focus on what you can control: your attitude, your effort, and being a good teammate. The most memorable players aren't always the best golfers - they're the ones who make the day enjoyable for everyone.
I promise you every golfer out there - especially the really skilled ones - are much more worried about their own game than about criticizing anything you are doing or not doing. Nobody who is better than you is going to cut you down. And if they do… well you can tell them where to go because you don’t need them in your life.
If you're really concerned about your game, consider taking a lesson or two before the event. Even one session with a pro can give you confidence and a few reliable shots.
Don’t let your nerves get in the way of participating. The first time you get out there it’s like ripping off the band-aid. Give yourself grace if it doesn’t go exactly the way you hoped it would. Next time you’ll know even better what to expect because you’ve been through it once.
Takeaway
Company golf scrambles are career opportunities disguised as fun days out. The relationships you build and strengthen on the course can absolutely impact your professional trajectory. People do business with people they like and trust, and there's something about shared experiences on the golf course that creates lasting connections.
Don't let fear of your golf skills keep you from participating. Your colleagues want you there, and the scramble format means you can contribute meaningfully regardless of your ability. Show up, be positive, and focus on building relationships. The golf is just the excuse to spend quality time together.
Most importantly: sign up for the next company golf event too. The more you participate, the more you'll be seen as someone who engages with company culture and builds relationships across departments. That reputation is invaluable for career advancement.
Have you played in company golf events? What was your experience like? I'd love to hear your stories - email me and let me know!
Free Guide with More Resources for You…
For more questions you should ask, strategies you can use and resources to help you navigate this, download my free guide - Before You Say Yes: A Pre-Golf Event Guide for Professional Women.
